I wrote this up a bit ago, then thought I might as well share it here.
Friends,
Apropos nothing, let me share with you a little gift. I’m working today and this is what I’m listening to. I had to stop in the middle to share it with you because my mind got blown. The Grateful Dead: once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.
7-17-89, in God’s Country: Alpine Valley Wisconsin.
One of the great venues, and widely noted as a set of shows they were really tuned into. I mean, they were locked into each other and on fire. This show, while pretty awesome all around, gives many specific instances of the amazing technical and visionary instrumental ability of the band.
Take a look, for example, at 55:00, as they break into Deal. You probably know the song, so a good example tune. OK, all is well and good for about four minutes of solid driven lyrics-based jam. Good stuff, we’re having fun. But then. But then. Really? At 59:00 it shifts into another. freaking. phenomena. Look at them. They all know it. This is Michael Jordan with a fever downing a three at the end of the game to beat the Jazz, or the “shrug” game–it’s simply another level. Jerry’s guitar has a mind of it’s own, dual drums (what, you thought one set was enough?) and Phil on bass roll you up in a hammock while tickling your hair follicles; keys and guitar riffs tease you like a harem of lovers. The moment… just. that. one. extensive. moment. drips from the clock as time and space merge clearly in your head. This is what it all means. How do they DO that? Your questions are answered as more universe unfolds in front of the space behind your eyeballs. You may have had an interlude with your soul. For a brief time all is absolutely right in the world.
You’ll never see a canned touring show in the same light, it’s the difference between McDonalds and the French Laundry.
They finally extract themselves from a demonstration of artistic and technical WIZARDRY at 1:03:30, and wrap up the first set. Wait, that was just the beginning?? OMG. You probably need to sit down.
They go on to play another 1:20, including another full set and encore. Just listen to the beginning of the second set as the notes snake through a woodpile, around aspen saplings blowing in a gentle wind. Be careful or you’ll be full on into China Cat Sunflower!
This is why they were the greatest band to ever live. It’s a shame we can’t see them anymore (not including the 50th anniversary shows over 4th of July weekend at Soldier Field!). But Youtube is pretty incredible.
Have a good MLK day.
Toilet Paper Manifesto 